Errol Musk's concern for his son Elon, appointed to DOGE, is surprising. Despite their conflicting relationship, the father fears that this political role will harm the management of his businesses, revealing an unexpected benevolence.
Positively surprised by Elon Musk's father
The announcement of Elon Musk's appointment as co-chair of the new Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) generated a wave of reactions, including within his own family. If we could expect harsh criticism from Errol Musk, known for his conflictual relations with his son, it is a feeling of concern which dominates his remarks. An astonishing benevolence which contrasts sharply with the tumultuous past between the two men.
In an interview with Al Arabiya channel, Errol Musk expressed reservations about his son's growing involvement in politics. Far from condemning Elon Musk's choice, he highlighted the risks of dispersion linked to this new role. “Elon has a huge task to accomplish,” he said, referring to the billionaire’s responsibilities at the helm of his multiple businesses. The paternal concern clearly shines through: Errol Musk fears that his son will not be able to simultaneously manage his companies – Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter/X, among others – and his new functions within DOGE. “He can’t just walk away from things,” he insisted, emphasizing the scale of the stakes for the hundreds of thousands of employees dependent on Elon Musk's decisions.
A real liability between the two men
What makes these comments so surprising is the history of the relationship between father and son. Previous statements by Elon Musk, calling his father a “terrible human being” in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, indicate a deep family divide. The affair of Jana Bezuidenhout, daughter-in-law of Errol Musk with whom he had two children, further aggravated the situation. This complex family context gives particular relief to Errol Musk's recent statements. His concern seems sincere, going beyond past resentments and conflicts.
Beyond the personal dimension, Errol Musk's comments raise legitimate questions about Elon Musk's ability to juggle his multiple hats. DOGE, an extra-governmental body charged with reducing state spending, represents a considerable challenge. The mission entrusted to Elon Musk, a fervent supporter of efficiency and cost reduction, involves potentially unpopular choices, including layoffs of civil servants. Errol Musk, while endorsing the goal of “liberating” employees “into more productive jobs,” implicitly recognizes the complexity and sensitivity of the task.
Rather Tesla, SpaceX, politics?
Elon Musk's involvement in politics, which has increased with his open support for Donald Trump, also raises the question of his priorities. Will he fully invest in his mission within DOGE, at the risk of neglecting his businesses? Or will he consider this political role as secondary, a simple showcase for his liberal ideas? The next few weeks will undoubtedly allow us to see things more clearly.
In the meantime, Errol Musk's statements offer unexpected insight into Elon Musk's complex personality. Behind the image of the eccentric and provocative billionaire perhaps hides a man torn between his excessive ambitions and the concerns of those around him. Paternal concern, as surprising as it may be, reminds us that even the geniuses of Silicon Valley remain subject to family dynamics and doubts.
The future will tell whether Elon Musk will manage to reconcile his various commitments and meet the expectations placed on him, both by his admirers and his detractors. In the meantime, the intervention of his father, despite the persistent tensions, adds a human and touching dimension to this public figure often perceived as inaccessible. A testimony that reminds us that behind every public figure lie complex family stories and universal emotions.
